FAQ

Heartstarter Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is CPR?

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, consists of mouth-to-mouth respiration and chest compressions, allowing oxygenated blood to circulate to vital organs such as the brain and heart. CPR can keep a person alive until more advanced methods such as defibrillation, an electric shock to the chest, can treat cardiac arrest.

Q: So why is it critical to know how to administer CPR?

CPR administered by a bystander doubles the likelihood of a victim surviving cardiac arrest. Seventy-five percent of all sudden cardiac arrests happen at home. You could save a life!

The recommendations and guidelines also change from time to time, so it is of utmost importance to receive up-to-date training.

Since the inception of this event, the survival rate in Acadiana has increased from one percent to 32 percent, according to statistics from Acadian Ambulance. Sudden cardiac arrest occurring in a setting outside the hospital is responsible for more than 230,000 deaths each year. A cardiac arrest victim is likely to die within minutes without assistance. Survival percentages fall an estimated seven to 10 percent for every minute without CPR. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone in Acadiana were prepared? The survival rate could go even higher.

Cardiovascular disease, principally heart disease and stroke, is the nation’s leading killer for both men and women. Heart disease doesn’t kill just the elderly. It is the leading cause of death for Americans.

Q: When and where will this year’s “Be A HeartStarter!” training event be held?

The free event will be held on Saturday, April 21st at the Blackham Coliseum. Two sessions will be held at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Each participant will receive an “I’m A Heart Starter” T-shirt and a participation certificate.

Q: How many years has the “Be a HeartStarter!” bystander CPR training event been held?

This community-known event is now in its 17th year. Nearly 18,000 Acadiana residents have been trained to administer bystander CPR. There were over 1,200 participants and volunteers in 2016.

Q: Who supports this CPR training event?

Presented by Cardiovascular Institute of the South and Lafayette General Medical Center, this event is free to the public. The costs to host the training are supported by the Acadiana medical community and other community-minded companies and organizations. It costs more than $30,000 to put on the training event. Make sure to thank our sponsors!

We also have 150 volunteers who give up a Saturday to help with the training, registration and distribution.